SARATOGA SPRINGS >> The Joan Rivers the world knows – a loud, hilarious comedian – is much different from the close, caring, compassionate friend Marylou Whitney knows her as.

Rivers, 81, remained in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Sunday, three days after suffering cardiac arrest at a physician’s office.

She has visited the Spa City on numerous occasions as Whitney’s house guest and they’ve traveled the world together, including a three-week safari to Africa.

“My staff were saying this morning that she is the nicest lady we’ve ever had here,” a tearful Whitney said. “She treated every one of them like friends. I don’t think the world knows Joan the way I do. Joan is one thing on the stage, another thing as a friend; a giving and loving person. She’s someone when I’m sick who comes here or calls.”

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Whitney became friends with Rivers many years ago through her late husband Cornelius C.V. “Sonny” Whitney, a Hollywood producer.

“We really hit it off,” she said. “She was a great fixture here in Saratoga and loved to be here with us. She loved the track and loved going down to the Winner’s Circle with me. She also went to the Kentucky Derby with us.”

Whitney said Rivers has visited each of her homes – Saratoga Springs, the Adirondacks, Kentucky, Florida – and joked, “I do more talking than she does.”

Rivers is especially fond of the Adirondacks and would sometimes treat her own staff to vacations at The Point, a luxurious Great Camp resort on Saranac Lake.

“That was her way of thanking them for all they did for her,” Whitney said.

Rivers also accompanied Whitney to Alaska one time for The Iditarod sled dog race, and they served together on the Prince of Wales’s Foundation that supports charitable causes throughout the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Rivers’ loved ones said Sunday that they remain hopeful about her recovery.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” her daughter, Melissa Rivers, said in a statement, thanking people who have expressed support for the 81-year-old comedian. Rivers on Friday described her mother’s condition as serious.

Rivers is the host of “Fashion Police” on E! and presides over an online talk show, “In Bed With Joan.” She also co-stars with her daughter on the WEtv reality show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”

Two of her “Fashion Police” co-stars tweeted their well-wishes to Joan Rivers and her family Saturday.

“Praying for Joan Rivers and Mel Rivers,” Giuliana Rancic tweeted. “Even though Joan’s the strongest woman I know, every single prayer counts. I love you, Joan.”

“4 the first time in years I got down on my knees & prayed tonight!” Kelly Osbourne wrote. “I encourage U 2 do the same 4 Joan Rivers my grandma!”